In a thrilling Kerala Cricket League 2025 encounter, Muhammad Ashik's last-ball six secured a four-wicket victory for Kochi Blue Tigers over Aries Kollam Sailors. Chasing a daunting 237, Ashik's unbeaten 45 complemented Sanju Samson's explosive 121. Earlier, Vishnu Vinod (94) and Sachin Baby (91) propelled Aries Kollam Sailors to 236/5.
Sanju Samson hit a fiery century in the Kerala Cricket League. This performance boosts his chances for the Asia Cup. He opened for Kochi Blue Tigers and scored with rapid pace. Ajinkya Rahane supported his inclusion in the team, while Aakash Chopra suggests he might miss out due to team combinations. The debate around Samson's selection intensifies.
Amidst speculation about India's next ODI captain, Aakash Chopra has dismissed rumors linking Shreyas Iyer to the role. Chopra asserts that Shubman Gill is the likely successor to Rohit Sharma, already holding vice-captaincy in ODIs and leading in Tests. Gill's rise has also shifted Axar Patel from T20 vice-captaincy, solidifying Gill's position as the heir apparent for India's white-ball leadership.
The selection of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is creating controversy. Yashasvi Jaiswal is surprisingly left out. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I team. He is also appointed as the vice-captain. Experts are questioning Jaiswal's exclusion despite his strong performance. Sai Sudharsan's omission is also raising concerns. Subramaniam Badrinath highlights potential recency bias in the selection process.
Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.
With Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, India's opening combination is under scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane anticipates Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma, despite Sanju Samson's strong form. Rahane also expressed excitement about the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Sanju Samson and his brother stole the spotlight early on in the season opener for Kochi Blue Tigers. Sanju combined with his brother, Saly Samson, to secure the first wicket in the match vs Trivandrum Royals. Sanju's direct throw was caught by Saly, resulting in a run-out. This sibling effort drew social media attention. It also highlighted the Samson brothers' leadership for Kochi Blue Tigers.
Mohammad Kaif has said it will be tough for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup. Kaif believes Shubman Gill, who is now the vice-captain, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson has scored most of his IPL runs at No. 3, second only to Suresh Raina in terms of overall runs at that position. His record at No. 3 is strong, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 143 in the IPL. But fitting him in there would mean dropping Tilak Varma, which would also break the left-hand/right-hand balance India have carefully built in their middle order.
Shubman Gill's Asia Cup vice-captaincy has ignited debate over Sanju Samson's T20 role, fueled by selection order speculation. R Ashwin criticized the management's decision, fearing Samson's exclusion. Agarkar deferred to the team management for the final XI, acknowledging both Gill and Samson's recent form, leaving Samson's place uncertain despite his performances.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has criticised selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar over Shreyas Iyer's omission from the Asia Cup squad. Iyer was among the notable omissions in the 15-man squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav.